Knitting With My Eyes Closed ...: 10/17/10

Is it possible to have the summer whiz right by you, yet feel as if it was a long number of weeks? I know it sounds crazy, but that's the way it seems to me. Here I am back in Autumn and finding myself with this unreal knitting "To Do" list. Each year I always say that I am going to have a leisurely knitting year; take time to concentrate on upgrading my skills and maybe get around to knitting that complicated lace scarf or shawl. It never seems to happen. "Life" gets in the way (either mine of someone else that I care about) and suddenly with zeal and gusto, I am knitting for someone else. I did try a few new things these past months, and I am sharing them with you.

For some reason I wanted to try 'felted soap.' Well... it was interesting and fun; but I don't like the way the wool interacts with the soap once it is done, so these wonderfully colored bars will remain as 'decoration pieces.' They'll be on display somewhere to brighten up a dull corner.

I had this need to experiment with felted wool, so I knitted some coasters using colorful wool (Brown Sheep) and I am pleased with that outcome. I kept a few, and sent some to grace the home of my Uncle and his Lady friend Geri in California. I don't know if she's using them, (they are a bit bright) but I use mine to put my cups on in the living room. They are particularly good in the warm, humid times of the year when everything seems to sweat so much; and they protect your tables from cups that are too hot.

I saw this adorable pattern for a Neck Warmer online and was excited to knit it up. I liked it so much I am on my third one. My aunt Monica doesn't know it, but she is getting one of these bad boys to wear this winter. She commutes using public transportation every week and needs to be wrapped warmly. What I like about this neck warmer is it is a unisex design. The author of the pattern photographed it being worn on a woman; but I used John as my model, and he wants one to wear this winter as well. He wants two: one in a camouflage yarn, and one in a dark blue.

I'm an Aunt now to a cute little 9 month old baby girl; so I knitted her a sweater for the cold weather with hats and mittens to follow.... and eventually a crib blanket will be made.

So here are the photos:

Here are the Felted Bars of soap...

And the Felted Coasters

Here is the Sweater for my niece....

Oops! I forgot I knitted dishcloths! These went to my Uncle's home as well...

I found out my Uncle likes using the dishcloths in the shower, so I knitted him a few and added some bars of handmade soap. No... I didn't make them; but it has crossed my mind more than a few times over the years!